Stretched Marathon???

tyhuck

OK, Ive been looking and for the life of me, I cant find any threads of people stretching marathon carts. I know they are out there, becasue I have seen them on here. But, its been so long since Ive been on here, I guess Im just not looking in the right spot. Does anyon know who has done one so I can look them up?

BGW

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BumbleBee

I have only seen one on here that is stretched. You can be the second! the only thing I can think of being different on a marathon stretch would be the extension of the throttle rod back to the controller or swipe board. now you could upgrade the electronics to a newer cart and just have to extend wires, but that is up to do! Don't let the lack of Marathon limos stop you! break out the sawsall and have at it! Take lots of pics! we love build pics!

Arin

scottyb

The marathon is a heavier slower cart than most modern carts. This is probably why you are not seeing them used as a platform for a stretch. The added weight of the build and passengers would require a major makeover, it could be done but why not start with something newer & lighter?

tyhuck

The main reasons I was looking at marathons is because they are readily available for cheap to nothing, and the have a steel body. Im pretty handy with steel and could easily modify the steel body easily by myself, which I couldnt do with a plastic or fiberglass body.

It was mainly just a thought I had to give myself a project over the summer, and the end result would net me a family fun vehicle that could haul the wife and kids. But every time I think about it, I talk myself out of it because the cost would WAY exeed the final value of the cart. I could just buy one already done for what Ide invest in the cart.

tyhuck

Just for argument sake, how much weight difference would we be talking between a Marathon and something else?

sak00

I'm the king of sticking way too much money in these things. But the best part is you can say you built it. If you want the run of the mill, everybodies got one, then buy one. If you want something nobody else has, build it. My builds in my sig line will give you inspiration or indigestion. Good luck!

BumbleBee

Here here!! I am all for building your own! Mine may not be as fast or look "store bought" but I built it! that means more than anything!

I say build it, if you want it to be as fast as the "newer lighter" carts just add the motor electronics and batteries and go faster!

Good luck to you!

Arin

tyhuck

Well, there lies the problem. The build would have to be in stages, because I wouldn't have the money to do the electronics right away. Would the stock electronics be reliable enough to run a stretched cart without catching fire or damaging anything? That's factoring into my decision as well. If I actually go through with the project, there is no doubt it will be custom and done myself. The only question is what platform to start with, which basically comes down to overall cost.


Here is what I know now. I can get a 36v TXT for around $1250-$1500. The cost of the center pod, seats and seat-backs, rockers, and odds and ends would be the basic input costs. Then I can upgrade to a 48v later. The biggest problem with this method is getting the funds for the initial purchase.

If I go with the Marathon, I can get one for $250, upgrade the electronics for around $1000, buy steel to fabricate a seat pod and stretch the frame, plus another seat and seat-backs. The biggest issue here is the cost of upgrading the electronics. If the stock resistor system can handle the extra weight, then this method would be cheaper. If not, it seems like its gonna be close.

I do plan on lifting the cart, but that would have to be after the completion of all other aspects of the project, regardless of platform.

Wikid

Status update?

sak00

Way to go! I forgot about this build. What did you come up with?